“Dear Sidney, Susan Scott is a wonder.”

From Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows’ The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.

During WWII, Juliet spent her time writing humorous articles for the newspaper and is now touring England to promote a book of her collected works.  Juliet doesn’t enjoy being paraded around for her less-than-favorite writings, but because her editor is a lifelong friend, she agrees.  Juliet is desperate for an idea for a new book, but a slowly-rebuilding London seems to crush all her creativity.  One day, Juliet receives a letter from a man named Dawsey on the island of Guernsey (a small island in the English Channel) asking her a question about a certain poet; he also informs Juliet that he is part of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.  Intrigued by the society’s name as well as the islanders’ survival during their 5-year German occupation, Juliet begins corresponding with Dawsey and other members of the society.  She draws close to many of the founding members and learns of the lives and losses they endured during the occupation.  After several months of corresponding, Juliet decides to visits Guernsey, where she is able to experience a life she never would have thought possible with people she has unexpectedly developed deep friendships with.  In fact, the longer she spends with her new friends, the more she is able to rediscover her love of writing and life.

Composed entirely of letters/telegrams, the story is quite charming.  Shaffer and Barrows deserve credit for creating a story that is vibrant and engaging when the format could have easily led to a dull read.  At first, the number of characters mentioned can be confusing, but this also allows the reader to develop a friendship with the characters just as the main character does.  The Guernsey Literary (…) Society is a realistic, entertaining read filled with laughter, heartbreak, and triumph.